Birds

With the wide range of vegetation and sharp changes in altitude (560m to1 640m asl) not to mention the varied food-sources from plants to insects, the bird life is rich and rewarding. The total bird count over the municipal area of Barberton is a staggering 250 different species. Among them are specials such as the elusive Narina Trogon, the Eastern Nicator and Gorgeous Bush-Shrike. In the golf-course area Fantailed Cisticola can be seen, and Black Sparrowhawk. On the hillsides dotted with proteas are Gurbeys Sugarbird and the Buff-streaked Chat, and one could see Cape Rock-Thrush and Jackal Buzzard. High rolling grassland has Broad-tailed Warbler and Denham’s Bustard. In the groins of moist montane forest and scrub you may find Lemon Dove, Olive Bush-Shrike, Knysna Turaco and Buff-spotted Flufftail. Kaapschehoop protects a breeding site of the rare Blue Swallow.

For more information contact:

Barberton Bird Club: John Bunning, e-mail.

Mountainlands Bird Count: Marjorie Nuns on, anuns@icon,co,za (013) 712 7449

EWT Blue Swallow Working Group: Guide, Enos Zulu to book contact Rudi du Plessis on 082 601 5455 or 013 734 4580 

See also: www.ewt.org.za/blueswallow/index/html

Fountain Baths Guest Cottages set on Rose’s Creek is a birder-friendly establishment.